“In Extremis”: Later Poems, p. 27; Poetry, p. 250. July 9, 1908. In Extremis: Latin, to the furthest reaches; thus, figuratively, near the point of death. The poem was written two days before the death of Father Tabb’s friend Rt. Rev. Alfred Allen Paul Curtis, auxiliary bishop of Baltimore.

“United”: Father Tabb, p. 80; Poetry, p. 271. October 25, 1902. The poem was written the day after the death of Father Tabb’s ward Edward J. Carroll.

“A Stone’s Throw”: Poems, p. 125; Poetry, p. 357. 1894.

“The Soul’s Quest”: Later Poems, p. 90; Poetry, p. 160. October 1896. Vesture is clothing or raiment; by analogy, what the body is to the soul.

A convert to the Catholic faith, Rev. John Banister Tabb (1845-1909) was a priest of the Diocese of Richmond, Virginia, and Professor of English at St. Charles’ College, Ellicott City, Maryland. Poems selected, arranged, and annotated by E.L. Core.